Feedback Loop: On Living Without

Thursday, July 08, 2010 - 10:34 AM

Researchers are creating a new breed of air conditioner that can help reduce energy consumption
(Flickr user bondidwhat (cc: by-nc-nd))

Could you live without air conditioning? Could you live without electric light? Could the Gulf live without its birds? Or birds without the Gulf? We spent time on this morning’s show exploring this theme of living without. We were particularly focused on air conditioning (it’s been really, really hot out, so it’s on everyone’s mind) and talked with Stan Cox. He wrote "Losing Our Cool: Uncomfortable Truths About Our Air-Conditioned World (and Finding New Ways to Get Through the Summer)." And he had a lot to say about how the trusty (and electricity-guzzling) A/C has changed American life.

We asked listeners to weigh in and tell us what you could live without. From technology to food, you had a lot to say.

We live without A/C too. We tried using one a couple of summers ago and the only results were minor colds from the temp change and it made everything else (indoors and out) feel that much hotter. It is Summer. It is supposed to be hot. Drink some water, move a little slower, eat lighter foods and take a cold shower right before bed.

Amy from Boston writes:

I could live without a personal car. It would mean some changes - taking a taxi home from the supermarket, for instance, or buying less, but more frequently. I chose where I live specifically so that I could get to work on public transportation. Not every city or even state has this as an option, so I realize how lucky I am. I wonder how things will change in the next 10-20 years if gas prices increase as much as predicted.

And listeners called us at 877-8-MYTAKE too!

We were happy to hear from Clarisse in York, Pa. who left this message: I couldn't live without music and books and PRI.

Another Pennsylvania caller, Doug, says: One thing I could absolutely live without would be email. I remember a time before email when you picked up the phone.

As always, you can join the conversation. Comment on any of the stories you’ve heard on The Takeaway website, call in to 877-8-MYTAKE, check out our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter.